Rondo
Four-Square Rondo (9v4)
Build support angles in a 3v1, scan for the next square and move the ball through all four under pressure. Lose it and react at once: win it straight back before the defender reaches a goal.
Duration
20 min
Total drill time
Players
13
Recommended
Pitch
25 × 25 m
Setup space
Level
Intermediate
Skill required
Intensity
High
Physical demand
Age band
U11-U12
Any format
Setup & instructions
Mark a 25 m square and split it into four 12.5 m squares with cones. Put a mini goal just outside the middle of each outer side. The possession team has nine: two on the outer lines of each square, who move along their line, and a central player who works along the lines that split the area, joining whichever square has the ball on its inner side. One defender starts in each square. Play starts with a 3v1 in one square: the two edge players and the central player keep it from that square's defender. After three passes they may transfer the ball into a square next door, where the next 3v1 starts against that square's defender. Getting the ball through all four squares scores a point. If a defender wins it, the defenders attack any mini goal straight away, together if they need to, while the possession team counter-press. If they win it straight back, the squares no longer matter: they play anywhere, all four defenders hunt the ball, and six passes in a row scores a point. After a goal or a ball out, the coach plays a new ball into one square. Play two-minute games and rotate four new defenders in after each one.
Setup time: 5 min
Tactical breakdown
The four-square rondo takes the simplest rondo there is, a 3v1, and asks the team to repeat it four times in a row. A 25 m square is split into four smaller squares. Two possession players stand on the outer lines of each square and a central player joins whichever square has the ball, so every square can become a 3v1 against the defender who lives there.
In the square game the team needs three passes before it may transfer the ball into a square next door. Getting it through all four squares scores a point. That builds two habits at once. Inside the square it is about angles: the two edge players split wide and the central player finds the gap beside the defender, so there is always a pass either side of him. Across the squares it is about scanning and timing: the players in the next square have to be ready before the ball arrives, and the transfer works best when the defender has been drawn to one side.
The mini goals make losing the ball matter. A defender who wins it attacks any of the four goals straight away, so the nearest players have to react at once: close the ball, block the goal side and win it back. If they do, the reward is freedom. The squares no longer count, all four defenders can hunt the ball, and six passes in a row anywhere in the area scores a point. That teaches the team to switch play away from the pressure once they have won it back, rather than forcing the next pass in the same square.
For the defenders it is a lesson in pressing on an angle. One defender alone cannot mark three players, so he presses in a way that cuts one passing line and invites the pass he can intercept, then goes straight for goal when he wins it.
How to run this drill
- Mark four squares. A 25 m square split into four 12.5 m squares with cones, and a mini goal just outside the middle of each outer side.
- Set out nine against four. Two possession players on the outer lines of each square, one central player who joins the square with the ball, and one defender in each square.
- Three passes, then transfer. Play starts as a 3v1 in one square. After three passes the ball may be transferred into a square next door, where the next 3v1 starts.
- Score through all four squares. Moving the ball through all four squares scores a point for the possession team.
- Defenders attack the mini goals. A defender who wins the ball attacks any mini goal straight away, combining with the defender next door if pressed, while the possession team counter-press.
- Win it back and play anywhere. If the possession team win it straight back they may play anywhere in the area, and six passes in a row scores a point.
Coaching focus
FROM SESSION PLANCoaching points
- Make a triangle: the two edge players split wide on their lines and the central player finds the gap beside the defender
- Scan before the ball arrives: know where the next square's defender is before the transfer
- Play through pressure: a first-time set back or a pass past the defender's shoulder, not round him every time
- Pick the moment to transfer: when the defender is drawn to one side, switch to the square away from him
- Keep the structure: the edge players in the other squares slide along their lines to be ready for the transfer
- React at once when you lose it: the nearest two close the ball and the edge players block the goal side
- Defenders: cut the passing line behind you as you press; when you win it, go for goal at once or, if you are pressed, play it to the defender next door
Common mistakes
- The central player standing behind the defender, so the triangle becomes a line
- Edge players standing still in the squares without the ball instead of getting ready for the transfer
- Transferring before the third pass, or waiting too long and letting the next defender set
- Slow, bouncing passes in a 12.5 m square that let one defender cover two players
- Switching off after losing it, so the defender runs free at a mini goal
- Defenders chasing the ball round the square instead of pressing on an angle that cuts a line
Progressions & regressions
VARIATIONSProgressions
- Two touches maximum for the possession team
- Transfers may go to any square, including the one diagonally across
- Two passes before a transfer instead of three, to speed the ball up
- A defender from the next square may step across to press the transfer
Regressions
- Unlimited touches
- A bigger area (30 x 30 m) for more time on the ball
- Four passes in the free play instead of six
- Remove the mini goals: a defender who wins it just gives it back to the coach
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